Foulbrood outbreak at Perthshire hives

AN OUTBREAK of a disease which kills off honey-bee larva has been found in Scotland.

American Foulbrood, a highly-contagious disease which is difficult to eradicate, was discovered in a bee yard in Perthshire and confirmed following tests by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture.

The infected hive at the apiary near Ballinluig has been destroyed and the movement of bees and equipment banned. Scottish Government bee inspectors will be carrying out visits to apiaries in the area in the coming days.

Beekeepers are urged to check their hives and notify [email protected] of any suspicion of disease. They have also been asked to register on BeeBase, the national bee database.

There are no risks to public health and no implications for the safety of honey, the government stressed.